The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature TB Caucus.
The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, led by Speaker Makhosazane Masilela, officially relaunched the Tuberculosis (TB) Caucus on May 12 at the Legislature Chambers in Mbombela.
The relaunch aimed to reaffirm the province’s commitment to ending TB by 2030 and brought together a wide range of stakeholders involved in the fight against the disease.
Attendees included Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs), Members of the Executive Council (MECs), representatives from the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), the Mpumalanga Provincial AIDS Council, Civil Society Forum and the Private Sector Forum.
In her opening remarks, Masilela described TB as one of the world’s major health threats and stressed the importance of the TB Caucus in strengthening advocacy, accountability and collaboration.
She said Members of the Legislature have an important responsibility to ensure government commitments towards ending TB are fulfilled. According to Masilela, the caucus will help accelerate progress through targeted provincial interventions.
Representing SANAC, Dr Nkhensani Nkhwashu said TB Caucuses are important platforms that enable public representatives to drive awareness, accountability and oversight in the fight against TB across all nine provinces.
Civil Society Forum chairperson Sonto Nkosi welcomed the relaunch and highlighted poverty and food insecurity as major barriers to successful TB treatment. She called for stronger support for vulnerable communities, including farming communities.
Private Sector Forum deputy chairperson Judith Makhubu said sectors such as mining and agriculture remain heavily affected by TB, especially among mobile and contract workers.
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, Munene Mhlongo, emphasised the need for a people-centred approach in tackling TB and HIV/AIDS.
Acting Premier and MEC for Health Sasekani Manzini praised the Legislature for creating a platform that promotes collective action against communicable diseases. She also commended healthcare workers and reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare infrastructure.
As part of the programme, the Barcelona Declaration on TB was read and signed by key stakeholders, symbolising a united commitment to ending TB in Mpumalanga.
